MALAYSIAN RESTAURANTS IN AUSTRALIA 'BETTER THAN' THOSE IN MALAYSIA

By Neville D'Cruz

MELBOURNE, June 2 (Bernama) – The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) has asked Malaysian restaurant operators in Australia to move a notch higher to attract diners not familiar with Malaysian cuisines.

Matrade's Product Division Director Wan Norma Wan Daud said many Malaysian
restaurants in Australia were "much better than our restaurants in Malaysia".

"I have eaten at some of these restaurants here and in Sydney, and I must
say the food is excellent... better than ours at home," she told a meeting of
Malaysian restaurateurs here.

Wan Norma, who is in Australia with Hairul Nizam Mohammed, vice-president of
EXIM Bank's Marketing Division to promote the Malaysia Kitchen programme, said
the Malaysian restaurant scene in Australia was vibrant, successful and a great
credit to the owners and chefs.

"But you can do better. It would be good if you can move a notch higher so
Australians who have not been to your restaurant will be tempted to try out
food," Wan Norma said.


She said the Malaysia Kitchen programme was being well received in London
and New York and some restaurants had seen their trade grow by up to 25 per cent
in a short time.

Wan Norma explained the Malaysia Kitchen programme in detail while Hairul
briefed the meeting, held at the Chilli Padi Restaurant here, on the financial
facilities available to Malaysians to open new eateries, expand their business
or any project that would promote Malaysian cuisine in Australia.

Hairul also explained how the low-interest funding worked, the rules to
qualify for loans and their repayment obligations.

Malaysia's Trade Commissioner in Sydney, Ong Yew Chee will supervise the
Malaysia Kitchen programme in Australia.

He said there was great interest among Malaysian restaurateurs in Melbourne
and Sydney.

"Hopefully it will expand to other major cities in Australia," he said.

-- BERNAMA